White paper draft, to be submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey
Authors
Louise M. Prockter, Matthew S. Tiscareno, Edwin J. Grayzeck, Chuck H. Acton, Raymond E. Arvidson, James M. Bauer, Reta Beebe, Nancy Chanover, Lisa R. Gaddis, Jordan H. Padams, Ray J. Walker, Sebastien Besse, Daniel J. Crichton, Mitchell K. Gordon, Trent M Hare, Emily S. Law, Myche McAuley, Anne C. Raugh, Mark R. Showalter
Summary: The Planetary Data System (PDS) plays a vital role in the planetary science community, enabling an extraordinary scientific return from NASA’s exploration endeavors. Led by scientists who serve as a bridge between the data and the research community, the PDS has become the primary platform for planetary researchers to obtain current and historical data, while retaining its original mission of preserving the integrity and usability of data for future generations. In order to facilitate effective stewardship and use of its diverse holdings, the PDS has developed and is implementing the PDS4 Information Model (the PDS4 IM). In the coming decade, continued strong support from NASA HQ is essential:
- to ensure the complete implementation of the PDS4 Information Model and the development of effective tools that realize its potential for data discovery and data access;
- for the PDS to obtain the highest-quality data and documentation from science teams, including detailed user guides and access to internal team tools developed beyond the scope of originally planned data products; and
- to accommodate the ever-increasing level of PDS-supported user services, and provide archiving resources for a large number of derived data providers.
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